"Archaeology Day" provides a close-up look at tools used by some early American cultures

Thursday

Aug 30, 2012 at 11:48 AM

By ROBERT BARBOZA

By ROBERT BARBOZA

Editor

DARTMOUTH — A handful of local residents had the opportunity to get a private lesson on archaelogical research and Native American culture and artifacts from a trio of experts from the Massasoit Chapter of the Mass. Archaeological Society (MAS) at the Akin House Monday afternoon.

The "Archaeology Day" presentation sponsored by the Dartmouth Heritage Preservation Trust (DHPT) allowed visitors to handle artifacts dating back thousands of years, including reproduction tools used by Native Americans in this area, and hear a lecture on Eastern Woodlands Indian culture.

The "Tool Time" display of artifacts and related lectures offered that afternoon was the latest in a series of DHPT talks and events being held this year to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the construction of the historic Elihu Akin House, which the trust is helping to preserve.

DHPT president Diane Gilbert said one of the goals of the hands-on, youth-oriented "Archaeology Day" session was to promote interest in history and archaeology, and help educate residents about the value of any potential artifacts they might find locally.

If anyone finds what might be a historic artifact, they are urged to report their find to the Mass. Archaeological Society and have it examined by experts, rather than start digging around for more potential treasures, said MAS vice president Fred Robinson.

"As a society, we do not advocate you going out and doing your own archaeology; we're more about site preservation," Robinson noted. "Digging (by amateurs) is a no-no," he explained. "Let paid professionals do the digging."

He suggested, "If you find something, give us a call" at (508) 947-9005.

Robinson said the society will research the site where something is found to see if the location is historically significant, and help file a field report with the state Historical Commission so that site can be protected.

Thousands of good examples of real artifacts can be seen at the MAS museum, located at 17 Jackson Street in Middleborough, and on the MAS website (www.massarchaelogy.org).

Area residents who find potential artifacts can also bring their discoveries to the museum to get an opinion from experts, Robinson noted.

For those visitors who attended Monday's event, it was a great opportunity to handle tools created by residents of the Americas hundreds or thousands of years ago, and get a sense of the excitement that the study of history and archaeology can provide curious minds of all ages.

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